Cardiologist John Teerlink '83 Discusses Career, Research

John Teerlink has always had a fascination with science. He majored in comparative religious studies and minored in cell biology at Swarthmore College near Philadelphia. While these areas of study may seem like they are on opposite ends of the spectrum, Teerlink says they have worked together in his favor - they combined his keen interest in science and people.

After graduating from Swarthmore, he headed to Harvard Medical School, where he decided on cardiovascular medicine.

Teerlink, who is also the director of the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center Heart Failure Clinic and Clinical Echocardiography Laboratory, says that more than six million people are affected by heart failure in the U.S. every year. It's preventable, but does not get the attention that it should, he says.

Teerlink took some time on a recent evening to talk about heart failure research. ...

John Teerlink '83 is one of more than 1,200 alums expected on campus to attend Alumni Weekend, which this year celebrates classes ending in "3" and "8." He received his B.A. with Highest Honors from Swarthmore, majoring in comparative religious studies with a minor in biology. Teerlink graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1988. His daughter will attend Swarthmore this fall.

Submissions Welcome

The Communications Office invites all members of the Swarthmore community to share videos, photos, and story ideas for the College's website. Have you seen an alum in the news? Please let us know by writing news@swarthmore.edu.

If you are experiencing difficulty accessing information on this site due to a disability, or if you have questions or concerns regarding the accessibility of content on this site, please contact accessibility@swarthmore.edu for assistance.